Steve Hansen criticises the Lions’ schedule

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has criticised the British and Irish Lions’ schedule; questioning their lack of time in New Zealand prior to their opening game on Saturday.

The full squad will be in New Zealand on Wednesday, giving them only three days of preparation ahead of their first game. Hansen said toThe Times; “You’d want to be there a week at the minimum,” Although, Hansen accepts that this is not going to make life any easier for the All Blacks, further going on to say; “This Lions squad is one of the best to have been picked for a long, long time.”

Hansen also stated that his side have “total control over when we leave the country.” making life easier when facing a big series; as the Lions do next month in New Zealand with ten games to play, and three of them being against the All Blacks. With this being said, could it be a point of thought for the RFU as how to further improve the Lions set up?

Hansen went on to build some tension ahead of the tour, stating his predictions for Gatland’s style of play, saying they expect him to “…not change the way he plays” although this is said to be based on assumption.

We will see if Gatland is to adopt a different style of play when they come to face the All Blacks in their encounter on the 24th of June . Who do you think Gatland will choose for the first test if all men stay fit?